the kina8at center
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KINA8AT'S
MISSION
The word Kina8at (pronounced "Kinawat") means "together" in the Algonquin language. This word sums up the mission of our non-profit organization:
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Allow cultural reconnection among First Nations
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Foster the sharing of Indigenous cultures with everyone
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In the spirit of Reconciliation and with respect for Mother Earth
Kina8at's Team
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dominique Rankin - président
Mathieu Desjardins - vice-président
Karine Charest - trésorière
Audrey Girard - secrétaire
Mélanie Paul
Jean-François Tremblay
Arlene Closter
Jacques Newashish
Sean Rankin
Marie-Josée Tardif
Our Board of Directors is made up of 9 director members, more than half of whom are Indigenous. In order to provide ourselves with a structure that is in line with tradition, we have also created an elder role within the Board. The elder does not have the right to vote. He/she simply acts as a resource person, on a spiritual level.
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Council of Visionaries
This Council, bringing together elders and cultural bearers, guides Kina8at through its mission, values and vision.
"I want young people to have access to places where they can be proud of being Indigenous and learn . It's so important to have spaces, to have elders. There's really a difference in intervention when you can reconnect with elders and cultures. These are the needs I hear every day." - Fay
"I shared a lot in the Schools in Abitibi about our culture and our history and it helped me grow, to heal, to be proud to be anicinape. What I would like for Kina8at, about the museum, what came to me: the nap8an, the games we played when we were young. I learned a lot about what we find in the animal and showing it to young people . The animal has its spirit, its medicine..." - Joan
"My work is very much for the former residential school survivors. I have heard many very detailed stories of abuse. It is good for us to meet regularly as residential school survivors, but also with the younger ones . A lot of times, we don't talk about the residential school. Just about ourselves." - Johnny
" We need to bring young people back to ancestral territories , in contact with the forest, without wifi! Many young people think that the reserve was the territory of their ancestors. We could welcome them here in Kina8at for a few days, with elders, so that they can learn about the forest." - Andrew
Photo taken during the meeting on September 22, 2024 at Kina8at. Present (from left to right, from top to bottom):
Bryce Morrison, Red River Metis originally from Alberta, now lives in Quebec
Harry McKenzie (accompanist)
Angus Dicky, Denny from Fort Nelson, British Columbia
Andrew Mowatt, Anicinape of Pikogan, Quebec
Carole Flamand, Atikamekw of Manawan, Quebec
Marie-Josée Tardif, non-native and bearer of culture, lives in Quebec
Arlene Closter, Anicinape of Pikwakanagan (Golden Lake), Ontario
Fay – Virginia Desjarlais, Anicinape originally from Saskatchewan, Muskowekwan and Pasqua First Nations, now lives in Quebec
Jocelyne Laroche, non-native and bearer of culture, lives in Quebec
Serge Aubin, Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk (Maliseet of Viger), Quebec
Joan Wabanonik, Anicinape of Lac Simon, Quebec
Diane Reid-Ottereyes, Cree of Eeyou Istchee (James Bay), Quebec
Dominique Rankin, Anicinape of Pikogan, Quebec
Johnny Wylde, Anicinape of Pikogan, Quebec
Absent that day:
Kevin Deer, Kanyen'kehà:ka (Mohawk) of Kahnawà:ke
Nadine Rousselot, Innu from Pessamit
Jacques Newashish, Atikamekw of Wemotaci
Construction of the cultural touristic center begins
It's official: Kina8at, an organization active for nearly 15 years, is beginning construction of its cultural and wellness center in La Conception, in the Laurentians.
With an expected opening in 2027, this $11 million project promises to be a unique destination, combining Indigenous tourism, reconnection with nature and personal well-being.
Job posting
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